Sun Exposure 101
The sun emits various forms of energy such as ultraviolet light, visible light, and radio waves. Thank fully, most of these forms of energy are filtered out by our earth’s atmosphere but the few who make their way in, can still have harmful effects. Ultraviolet (UV) light is a major contributing factor to skin aging. Whether through natural sunshine or artificial tanning beds, research shows that exposure to UV light has a cumulative effect that can increase wrinkles, compromise the immune system, and increase your risk for cancer. The two UV wavelengths that do permeate our atmosphere are:
UVB rays which are shorter, more powerful rays that affect the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and are responsible for the sunburns we feel when our skin is unprotected. UVB rays can affect our immune systems and cause the most deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.
UVA rays, though longer than and not as powerful as UVB rays, are believed to penetrate more deeply into the skin, causing damage to collagen and cells that are in the dermis. UVA rays are more prevalent in tanning beds and can cause skin tanning, age spots, and wrinkling of the skin.
Sun Protection
Sun Protection Factor or SPF, came about in the 70’s as a rating system referring to the amount of protection a sunscreen provides from the UVB rays that cause sunburn. For example, if you would normally burn in the sun in 10 minutes, a sunscreen with SPF 15 allows you to be in the sun 15 times longer or, in other words, for 150 minutes without being burned.
Research shows SPF only partially protects us during sun exposure. The sufficiency of protection depends on several factors, skin type, exposure time, amount applied, frequency of reapplication and the types of activities done outdoors. We must also be aware that SPF does not normally protect against UVA’s rays. It is important to monitor your time in the sun and apply enough sunscreen to have adequate protection.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, applying generously to all exposed areas at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Cloudy days are no exception!
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, a hat that covers all of your face and neck, and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Do not use sunscreen that has expired because the ingredients can lose their effectiveness and decrease your protection.
Our skin is our largest organ and the most vulnerable. While it can be difficult to balance our need to be outdoors and the effects of UV exposure, we all have a common desire: to protect our skin and reduce aging and the negative effects of the sun. Researchers are working hard to develop a SPF that will block all harmful light but until then we must all remember to wear sunscreen and monitor our exposure to ensure healthy skin inside and out.
Body Beautiful Spa in Phoenix | Scottsdale carries quality sunscreens from Skin Script and PCA that won't clog your pores or make your skin break out the way many drugstore sunscreens do. Call 602-522-9222 or visit www.BodyBeautifulSpa.net.
